Concord Academics
Concord University is divided into two colleges: The College of Professional and Liberal Studies and The College of Science, Mathematics, and Health. Both are full of rigorous academic programs, friendly and knowledgeable faculty members, and small class sizes.
Featured Stories
Nursing Major
Rachel is from Beckley, WV, and graduated from Liberty High School in 2016. She attended Concord from 2016-2020, and graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Biology with minors in Sociology and Health Promotion. After graduating, she worked for several years as a teacher and cheerleading coach, but always wanted to pursue a degree in nursing. When Concord announced the BA/BS to BSN program, Rachel applied and came back to campus in August 2023. It’s a decision she does not regret. “The nursing program has been such a wonderful experience. The professors are extremely helpful and my fellow nursing students and I have become very close. The friendships we have created will continue to grow throughout our time at Concord, and they will be lifelong friends.” She continues her work as a cheerleading coach in Raleigh County, which is one of her favorite things to do. She also loves to read and spend time outdoors.
Rachel Clay
Nursing Major
Dr. Joan Pendergast
Chair, Department of Social Work and Title IX Coordinator
Taylor Brown
Psychology Major with Business Administration minor
Shannon Phipps
Nursing Major with Psychology Minor
Assistant Professor/Training Manager
Dr. Samantha Byrd began at Concord as an adjunct professor in the Masters of Social Work program in 2020, and was advanced to a full-time position in 2022. She received her Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from Concord in 2016, and her Masters of Social Work degree in 2018, also from Concord. She went on to the University of Kentucky to earn her Doctor of Social Work degree in 2023. Dr. Byrd has practice experience in child and adolescent mental health, grant management, and foster parent training. She is certified in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) interventions. In addition to teaching, Samantha volunteers in the counseling center at Concord, and provides community service in various ways. She founded and manages a foster closet and foster parent support group, and serves on the board of directors for Child Protect of Mercer County. She says of her most memorable experience at CU, “Since starting in academia, I have had the pleasure of working in different capacities with some of the professors and mentors I had during my time as a student at CU. It is incredible to see how everyone comes together behind the scenes to support students in various ways.”
